need advice

[frankied]

I have to agree with the few others that suggested waiting. I think it would be better to have a breeder that was closer and be able to go through the whole experience of meeting the pups and seeing which one most suits your family. Also having her nearby in case you had any problems etc.

Just MO

Good luck!

 

[Rlr.Giraffe]

I can definitely identify with that excitement... the first potential pup that I found was about an 8-10 hr drive from here, and if we had got him we would have essentially ended up buying a pup sight unseen. This was a reputable breeder... she does all the proper health testing, well known on the show circuit, etc etc.. she would have sent one of her friends in Calgary to do a home visit with us, she cares deeply about her dogs. The pup was from two champion dogs, and was a gorgeous little thing. I became very attached to the photos and was prepared to drive all the way to get him.

However, in the end, neither Kris or I was comfortable with the situation for so many reasons and we ended up going with a local breeder... here's why:

First of all, as Christa mentioned, it is wonderful having a breeder close by for any problems that happen and/or helping to find resources such as trainers, vets, even good places for dog supplies! etc. Especially as first time boxer owners.

Secondly, we didn't feel right about sending money to a breeder so far away and getting a pup sight unseen. Not that we didn't trust this lady (in fact, I still ask her questions from time to time!) but at that point, I didn't know her from Adam!!

Third, we felt that we wanted a pup right from 8 weeks to enjoy. Those first few weeks with Willis at home were so much fun, and I am glad we had that time with him. They grow so fast.

Fourth, by choosing a breeder who was close by, we were able to visit the pups every week from 4 weeks on and watch them grow and develop with the advice and experience of our breeder, I am confident that we ended up with the pup that most suited our household.

I am not telling you what to do in any capacity, just giving you some reasons that you might consider waiting. We ended up waiting 3 months for Willis (not nearly as long as you have to wait!) but in the end, I would have waited a year or longer just to have the experience we did and have the support we have from our breeder now. Good luck!!! No matter what route you choose :D

 

[PawPrintBoxers]

.BUT if you say i should ask for written health testing before i get the pup...then i will do that...can i ask for it via email??

Yes. Either have her fax the health testing results for both parents to you or have her email them. Thanks to our modern toys, such things are very easy to take care of

Do you have the registered names of the parents?
If so, you can check the OFA website to verify if she has registered any of the health testing.

Never be afraid or intimidated to ask for proof. You are taking a huge leap of faith and you need to be sure.

 

[tasillo]

breeder

I appreciate all the advice
All the breeders that i have contacted are at least a 2 hour drive....so really if anything happenned i would not see them but my vet.
I have already reserched puppy classes that is very close to my home.
The food issue i have read a gread deal about and am still tossing with the idea of BARF...if i dont go that route we will do an organic kibble...where the 1st ingredients are not corn...but meat...I read some of the posts here on Welness and might go that route.
The breeder has told me that if i do decide on getting this female she will have her spayed...and she requires a deposit for that...explainning that this way she knows i am serious and am going to purchase the dog.
She only sells her puppies spayed and neutered and adds the cost to the purcheser.
She has also told me that she vaccinated only once ...and rabbies at 8 weeks...or in my case at 12 weeks...as she has done extencive reseach and feels our dogs are over vaccinated.
Like i said i feel no pressure...she wants to place this pup ina perfectly loving home
And to be very honest i have learned with my children there are no quarantees even with us humans.
YES i do want to make the right choice.
I hope whatever i decide and if you agree with my choice or not i will be still welcomed here on boxerworld

 

[PawPrintBoxers]

She only sells her puppies spayed and neutered and adds the cost to the purcheser

If she intends to spay her, why not just do it now? Why would she "add the cost" if it has not been done already? If she honestly always does this, she should have already done it. It does not make sense. If her morals were such that all pet pups are spayed/neutered prior to going to a new home, then she would just do it now. Period. Not wait for someone else to pay for it.

Do you understand what I am trying to say?

And again, back to the health testing. Get the testing results for both parents BEFORE you commit. Before you pay 1 penny or make any promises. That way you can make sure this breeder is all she is promoting herself to be.

 

[tasillo]

spay

ok about the cost and the spay...what she has told me that the puppies she has in the litter that are show material she does not spay.She decides on spay or neutering ...only when she knows where the puppy is going and with whom
She has been tossing the idea of keeping this dog herself but said that she will have enough show dogs for 2005 and she would not have enough time to have this one too...but if the result is that she is not sold she will keep her and adjust.
What i am saying is the dogs are neutered only when she knows they are going to pet homes and not before....if she intends to keep the dog it is not spayed....thats why the pup is not done yet
but i will take you advice and have the health tests sent to me as well as talk to some of her other clinents by phone
she is very forthcoming with info...i asked her about the pup...how long the dog sleeps...what she eats....she knows a lot about her(right now i am taking her on her face value...even though we have not met)
If this does go through it will take a week or 2.i will keep you posted
thanks for keeping me informed...as for the questions i read this site and i have asked her all the quastions and some

 

[gmacleod]

Rescues spay puppies that early too Actually earlier - 8 weeks is common.

There is no evidence that it is unhealthy (beyond the usual risks of anasthetic and surgery of course), and it is certainly far better for the health of the dog than the possibility of being used as a breeding machine later in life (no offence Tasillo, I'm not trying to suggest you would do that, just illustrating a point). From a breeders point of view, spaying that early gives absolute certainty that *none* of their puppies will ever meet that particular fate.

 

[Shanz]

i think i would wait until june. Even though she may seem like a reputable breeder (ask all the questions, give references etc) doesnt mean she is reputable. I ran into a problem like that when i was supposed to get my Boston Terrier. I found an add in the paper with a website.. and it had been in the paper for a yr advertising it was a breeder etc, its website gave references from the mayor of the town and certificates of being an animal care specialist etc. But when i informed my vet of where i was getting it from she told me it was a puppy mill. Not believing her because of the references etc on the website i called our local humane society and sure enough it was listed as a puppy mill... So i just suggest you be careful

 

[Melissa18]

Tasillo,

Everyone here is giving you great advice. I just thought I'd share about my puppy whom I got from a reputable breeder. She does everything right, etc. I did not meet her in person and she lives in another state. I met her when I flew to get my puppy, but only because I chose to go get him and not have him shipped to me. So, I met her, her husband, and son at the airport. Had I had my puppy shipped to me, I never would have met her in person. My puppy is healthy, beautiful, and has an excellent temperament! If I were to have an issue with my pup, I also would contact my vet as opposed to the breeder since she is in Utah. I keep in touch with my breeder, send her photos, can ask questions whenever I want, and get updates on how my pup's father is doing in the show ring.

So, while its nice to have a breeder close to you, I wouldn't go so far as to say that just because you can't meet them in person or because you can't go visit the pups from 4 weeks on, or have your breeder right there where you live, doesn't mean they are a bad breeder and that you shouldn't get a pup from them. I never saw my puppy in person until I picked him up. I got pictures of him every week, but that was it and it was the choice I made and was comfortable with. I also sent her half of the puppy price when I decided I wanted him and when she decided I would be a good home for him. Then, two weeks before I was to pick him up, I sent her the remaining balance. I had been conversing with her constantly via e-mail from the time my pup was 2 weeks old until I went to get him. It was not a problem for me. Had I felt uncomfortable about the money or any other aspect of her or the puppy, I would have walked away.

Take everyone's advice, be careful with your decision, do your research, and just make sure you are comfortable with your decision. And, I hope that no matter what you decide you are still welcomed here at BW.

 

[tasillo]

breeder

I have reasearched this breeder and she IS reputable. Someone here in boxerworld has also heard of her and she is what she says she is... a reputable show breeder.
We are to finalize everything tonite and i wll be sending her a deposit either tonite or tomorrow morning
The pup is to be spayed and once the vet gives the ok...she will be shipped to us
To tell you the truth i cannot stop talking about her
I went to old navy today and they have all the halowwen stuff reduced 75% off...i got her the cutest collar...orange with glow in the dark skulls.
My husband loves it and already has volunteered to get up at 7am in the morning to walk her.
She will probably 12 weeks when we get her
She has had some obedience trainning already and is crate trained..I want to start trainning her...what small treats would you all suggest.
How often do i feed her...i was thinking 2 times a day.
I am also going to ask the breeder of what she has been feeding her and of her schedule and try to keep it the same in my home for a while
My other question is ...can you suggest what i should bring to the airport for her??
thanks